JOSE RODRIGUEZ, QMI Agency

He doesn’t get those flash knockouts seconds after the opening bell or a comfortable submission finish before breaking sweat.

He hasn’t been in fight shorter than four rounds in nearly three years and four of his past five have gone full championship distance. When Edgar fights, it’s a full-on scrap.

It’s little wonder the New Jersey native has been dubbed the “Rocky Balboa” of the UFC.

“It’s nice to be recognized for having a big heart and what-not and it does mean I can take a beating at times and I guess that’s why I’m dubbed that,” says Edgar, who will face lightweight champ Benson Henderson in Saturday’s main event of UFC 150. “I grew up obviously watching Rocky and I was a Rocky fan when I was a kid but I’m Frankie Edgar. I’m being myself.”

That means battle-hardened and impossible to finish.

The 5-foot-6-inch Edgar has never been kocked out or submitted. His only two losses — one he’s already avenged to Gray Maynard and the other to Henderson — have come by judge’s scorecards.

This Saturday, for the first time in nearly two years, he will enter the UFC Octagon as the challenger. The man across from him will be the same one who took his belt this past February in Japan.

He has spent a lot of time studying that loss and mulling over all the things he could have done differently.

“Being in there with him for 25 minutes has its ups and its downs,” Edgar said.

“I got to see what he brings to the table and he also got to see what I bring to the table. It’s kind of two-sided that way. But I think I’ve made a lot of adjustments and I’ve improved in all areas.”

Edgar admits Henderson has many weapons and few weaknesses.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve seen holes in his game. He’s one of the top guys for a reason and I just think there are some things I can do better,” Edgar said. “I’m going to look to be offensive and I will look to fight my fight. I’m going to push the pace like I always do and it’s going to be a fun fight.

“It’s all about execution on fight night.”

Edgar finds himself in a familiar spot when it comes to fans and bookies.

“I think I’ve been the underdog in all of my fights,” Edgar said. “If anything, it’s a comfortable role. I put a lot of pressure on myself no matter what.”

He also says he hasn’t seen a big difference since losing the belt.

“In interviews they call you the former champ but outside of that, I’m not really a big-headed person. The people that matter to me the most, haven’t changed the way they treat me and that’s what matter most.”